Paperhanger Salary in 2026
How Much Do Paperhangers Make?
Paperhangers earn a median annual salary of $48,260 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $35,020 at the 10th percentile to $69,470 at the 90th percentile — a range of $34,450. The highest-paying state is New Jersey at $58,240.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,020 |
| 25th percentile | $40,930 |
| Median (50th) | $48,260 |
| 75th percentile | $58,470 |
| 90th percentile | $69,470 |
Paperhanger Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jerseytop | $58,240 |
| California | $57,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,630 |
| New York | $56,360 |
| Oklahoma | $51,810 |
| Michigan | $47,160 |
| Florida | $47,060 |
| Colorado | $46,830 |
| Ohio | $44,740 |
| Wisconsin | $39,130 |
| North Carolina | $35,740 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Paperhangers
Paperhanger Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$35,020 – $40,930 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$48,260 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$58,470 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $69,470+ |
How to Earn More as a Paperhanger
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Paperhangers in New York earn $56,360 — $8,100 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($58,470) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Paperhanger Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Paperhangerthis career | $48,260 |
| Carpenter | $59,310 |
| Carpet Installer | $49,850 |
| Floor Layer | $54,340 |
| Floor Sanders and Finisher | $49,150 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
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SOC: 47-2142.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.